Gym machine for dip exercises and twist workout

ABSTRACT

A gym machine for dip exercises in combination with body twist, includes frame members, a seat, a weight stack, elements for supporting the weight stack movably on the frame members, moving elements for moving the weight stack in response to a performance by the user, a chain element connected to the moving elements, and a handle element attached to one end of the chain element for a user to perform the exercise movement. The gym machine further includes brace elements for steadying the user in a performing position for dip exercise in combination with body twist for the duration of performing the workout, the brace elements including an upper leg support, lower forward leg supports, lower rearward leg supports, and a handgrip for steadying the non-supporting arm. The brace elements support the user with the hand of a performing arm engaging the handle element.

The invention relates to a gym machine for dip exercises in combinationwith body twisting during a workout. More specifically, the inventionrelates to a gym machine as set forth in the preamble of claim 1 for dipexercises in combination with body twisting during a workout.

As known in the prior art, dip exercise is one of the most effectiveworkout movements performed in a gym, working primarily on pectorals,abductors, and triceps. Typically, the prior known dip exerciseequipment is based on the use of both arms during a workout. On thebasis of back working pulldown equipment disclosed in the prior art, itis known to use a weight stack as resistance and to move the weightstack by means of a mechanism while performing the gym exercise. It islikewise prior known to sit on a seat of the exercise machine during aworkout.

One drawback in dip exercise stands known from the prior art is theaddition of extra weights, since the extra weights are suspended by abelt on the waist and between the legs of an exerciser. In addition, themovement is too demanding for women and many men to perform witheveryone having at least his/her body weight to lift, without extraweights.

Another drawback with dip exercise equipment known from the prior art isthat, when doing dip exercise on a dip stand, it is difficult to achievea deeper stretch downward as the workout is performed with two hands,whereby the stand and the workout technique also limit the deeperstretch that would increase effectiveness of the movement. In priorknown equipment, another shortcoming is insufficient adjustability ofthe stretching extent.

One problem with equipment known from the prior art is also that the usethereof has resulted risks of chest muscle injuries, shoulder injuries,as well as elbow fractures in long-term intensive strength training.

As for the prior art, reference can be made to the US applicationpublication 2007238589 A1, which discloses an exercise apparatus for armmuscles, comprising frame members. The apparatus comprises aframe-supported weight stack, which is linked by way of mechanisms toworkout handles which can be adjustable in height. The apparatus furthercomprises padded thigh supports and a seat for the user to sit on duringa workout. This prior known apparatus is primarily intended forperforming the movements with both hands, although it also enables themovement to be performed by using just one hand but, in this case, theuser support is inadequate.

With regard to the more distant prior art, reference can also be made topublications describing a variety of exercise equipment: U.S. Pat. No.6,113,522 A disclosing an exercise apparatus for toning the mid-sectionand lower portion of the body; U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,062 A disclosing amultipurpose exercise machine, DE 29707076 U1 disclosing a trainingapparatus for back muscles, and US 2010120590 A1. The equipmentpresented in these publications is described to include various supportarrangements for the exercise apparatus. However, the described supportarrangements are not appropriate for one-arm dip exercise in combinationwith body twist during a workout as there is no attention paid either totrajectories or to special requirements called for by both dip exerciseand twist exercise, regarding for example a user support.

An objective of the invention is to provide a gym machine, which enablesa performance of dip exercise in combination with body twist during aworkout, i.e. a so-called sawing movement.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a gym machine, whereinthe extra resistance is readily adjustable.

One further objective of the invention is to provide a gym machine,wherein the extent of stretching is adjustable over a wide range ofadjustment, and wherein the individual trajectories become possible.

Still one further objective of the invention is to provide a gymmachine, which is safe for the user.

In order to attain the foregoing and subsequently described objectives,the gym machine according to the invention is principally characterizedby what is presented in the characterizing clause of claim 1.

The gym machine according to the invention for one-arm dip exercises andtwist workout comprises frame members, which preferably consist of ahorizontal support leg, a vertical support leg mounted thereon, asupport shank, a vertical support frame member and an upper supportframe member, a seat preferably propped with the vertical support legand the support shank on the horizontal support leg, a weight stack andmeans for steadying the weight stack, preferably rails, and means formoving the weight stack, preferably a cable and pulleys or the likerotating elements, as well as a track assembly. According to theinvention, the gym machine comprises a chain element, which is connectedto the means for moving the weight stack, and a handle element attachedto one end of the chain element for a user to perform the exercisemovement. The machine according to the invention further comprises braceelements for supporting the user in a performance position during theworkout, said brace elements comprising an upper leg support, lowerforward leg supports and rearward leg supports, a handgrip for steadyingthe non-performing arm, in which machine the brace elements make up auser support, wherein the hand of a performing arm is in engagement withthe chain element's handle element, the leg crosswise to the performingarm is a forward leg, which is secured with its thigh portion against abottom surface of the upper leg support and with its foot in the lowerforward leg support, the hand of a non-performing arm is in engagementwith the handgrip connected to the upper leg support and the forearmlies against a top surface of the upper leg support, the rearward legbeing secured by its foot in the lower leg support.

According to one preferred further characterizing feature of theinvention, the gym machine comprises an inflexible chain adjustable inheight with desired intervals, for example with 2-3 cm intervals,preferably a metal link chain, which is connectible by its bottom partto the handle. The adjustable metal chain enables the height adjustmentof individual performance according to the size and stretching level ofan exerciser.

According to one preferred characterizing feature of the invention, thegym machine comprises a handle, which is connectible to the adjustablemetal chain by means of a snap hook or the like fastener. The handlefunctions during the performance of a one-arm dip exercise as theperforming implement in a gym machine of the invention.

According to the invention, the gym machine comprises a handgrip for thenon-performing arm, and an upper leg support, a lower forward legsupport, a lower rearward leg support, which jointly make up anapparatus for performing a dip exercise in combination with a body twistworkout, i.e. a so-called sawing movement.

What has been accomplished with a gym machine of the invention is atotally new assembly and a totally new performance technique enabledthereby, and hence, excellent training results. A particularly notablefeature achieved when using a gym machine of the invention for exerciseis a successive and crosswise position of the legs bearing against theforemost lower leg support and the rearmost leg support, the maintenanceof which position during a performance would not be otherwise possibleand which makes up a technical basis for the sawing movement.

In a gym machine of the invention, the handgrip and leg supports aredesigned with a view of making it possible that a body twist and aso-called sawing movement be performed during a workout in an effectiveand innovative manner. What has been provided by way of the invention isa novel dip exercise apparatus, enabling a body twist training movementwhich has neither been available in gym machines known from the priorart nor has therefore been possible to perform.

The gym machine according to the invention comprises supports capable ofstabilizing the legs and arms and establishing a performing positionthat allows for an effective body twist during the performance. The gymmachine according to the invention is a body twist training apparatus,which enables a novel sawing movement to be performed at the time whenthe performing position provides a more intensive muscular tension forthe mid- and upper body muscular system.

The gym machine according to the invention provides numerous benefits.The adjustment of extra resistance is better controllable than in theprior art equipment. The extent of stretching is adjustable over a widerrange and trajectories are possible which are more individual than inthe prior art equipment. Further, the gym machine of the invention issafe for the user with no hazard of damaging the joints or tendons. Inaddition, the machine of the invention enables the use of a highermuscular tension during the performance.

In a gym machine of the invention, the better control over theadjustment of extra resistance facilitates the adjustment of load andthe increase of an adjustment interval regardless of the body weightmakes it possible for everyone to perform the movement. With a machineof the invention, it is possible to adjust a one-arm resistance over anextensive range, for example from 5 kg to 200 kg, with small increases,thus enabling effective training from beginners to the strongest peoplein the world.

In a gym machine of the invention, the extent of stretching isadjustable over a wide adjustment range and, in addition, theperformance of individual trajectories is possible, which provides aneffective end result in target muscles and at the same time providesalso an end result with more effective and diverse development of othermuscle groups. By way of the individual adjustability of cables/pulleysolution, the gym machine according to the invention enables atrajectory most appropriate for every individual. The gym machineaccording to the invention also enables the position and angle, as wellas the height of a handle to be adjusted in compliance with the needs ofan exerciser.

The gym machine according to the invention has a structure which enablesthe performance to commence from a static position whose extent has beenadjusted to comply with the trajectories of an exerciser. In the machineaccording to the invention, the twist movement based on supports isperformed with protection against incorrect movements, whereby theperforming technique is controlled, nor does the performance become toorapid, the performance technique remaining thereby under control andsafe training being possible.

The gym machine structure according to the invention, which comprisessupports, enables a performing technique wherein the muscular tensionapplied to the mid-body as well as upper body muscular system is moreeffective than in the prior art dip exercise equipment and body twistexercise equipment. The supports and structure in a gym machine of theinvention enable a performing technique consistent with a so-calledsawing movement, which in combination with the body position is moreeffective than what is achieved in the prior art dip exercise equipmentand body twist exercise equipment.

The gym machine according to the invention is a highly effective andversatile exercise apparatus, which enables a diverse development of thebody without restrictions by just a single exercise movement. It is alsoextensively adjustable in a user-specific manner according to thepersonal qualities of a user. The gym machine according to the inventionlends itself to the use of all those interested in improving theirpersonal physical condition: for top athletes, leisure time exercisers,people in injury rehabilitation, and wellness-concerned elderly people.The gym machine according to the invention saves a considerable amountof time, trouble and money in fitness improvement and enables a cleardevelopment in physical condition for all those who exercise thereonregularly and according to instructions. The supports in a gym machineof the invention for bracing the legs and arms enable an effective twistof the body during the performance, providing an excellent mid-bodystrengthener, the wide-scale application of which provides extensivebeneficial effects on the maintenance and strengthening of the middleback and middle body in addition to the athletic application, whichbenefits are not attainable with dip exercise equipment known from theprior art. The gym machine according to the invention is also aneffective mid-back strengthener.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to theaccompanying drawing FIGURE whose details, however, are by no meansintended to narrowly limit the invention in any way.

FIG. 1 shows schematically one preferred exemplary embodiment for a gymmachine of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows schematically an exemplary embodiment for a dip exercisemachine for dip exercises, whereby is achieved a sawing movement basedon body twist and a new type of impact made possible thereby on theupper and mid-body muscle groups. The preferred exemplary embodimentshown in the figure comprises a horizontal support leg 1, preferably asteel leg, by which the gym machine is propped on a gym floor or thelike foundation structure. On the horizontal support leg 1, preferablyat a distance from one of its lengthwise ends, is mounted a verticalsupport leg 2. The horizontal support leg 1 and the vertical support leg2 can also be made in one piece. The gym machine further comprises aweight stack 3, which is provided with weight plates, for example 5 kgweight plates. As known per se from weight stacks, the weight plates areprovided with a hole, the weights for use during a performance beingselected by means of a pin inserted therein. The weight stack 3 has forexample a total weight of 150 kg or 200 kg. Arranged on top of theweight stack 3 is preferably a loose weight item, for example a clasp 4,which can be provided with small, for example 1-5 kg loose weights, forexample add-on weight plates, for a more precise adjustment of theexercise weight. On the horizontal support leg, preferably at one of itslengthwise ends, is mounted a vertical support frame member 5,preferably a steel member, which extends on either side of the machine.The horizontal support leg 1 and the vertical support frame member 5 canalso be made in one piece. The support frame member 5 is fitted withrails 6, preferably metal rails, along which the weight stack 3 isadapted to be movable in up-down direction during workout. To the weightstack 3 is attached a cable or the like suspension element 7, which hasa lifting capacity preferably of at least 500 kg and which is wearresistant. On the support frame member 5 is mounted a horizontal topsupport frame member 8, which connects the upright support frame member5 and the rails 6. The top support frame member 8 comprises pulleys 9 orthe like rotating elements, which are preferably disposed inside thesame and which are preferably made of steel, as well as a track assembly6 for guided movement of the cable 7. The cable 7 or the like suspensionelement is linked to an adjustable chain element 11 by way of anopenable loop member 10. The adjustable chain element 11 is preferably ametal link chain 11, comprising links, preferably metal links, securedto each other for a chain. The chain element 11 is preferably adapted towithstand a weight of about 300 kg. To the chain element 11 can be fixeda handle 12 to be grasped by the user with one hand for performing anexercise movement, such as a sawing movement involving dip exercises incombination with body twist during a workout. Preferably on either sideof the vertical support leg 2 is provided an upper leg support 13, whichextends on both sides of the machine and under which is braced the thighof the forward leg at a position above the knee in a crosswise mannerwith respect to the performing arm, and on top of which is placed theforearm of whichever is the non-performing arm. Preferably, the upperleg support 13 has at least its top surface cushioned to provide acomfortable support for the forearm of a non-performing arm throughoutthe workout. The upper leg support 13 is adjustable in terms of itsheight by way of an adjustment mechanism, for example a pin-in-holeassembly. The upper leg support 13 is provided with a handgrip 14 forthe hand of a non-performing arm. Preferably, the handgrip 14 isadjustable in terms of its height by way of an adjustment mechanism, forexample a pin-in-hole assembly. Above the horizontal leg support 1, bymeans of the support leg 2 and a vertical support leg of the upper legsupport 13, is mounted a seat 15 for the user to sit on during aworkout. The seat 15 is adjustable in terms of its height by way of anadjustment mechanism, for example a pin-in-hole assembly. The verticalsupport shank for the upper leg support 13 is on either side thereofprovided with lower forward leg supports 16, under one lower forward legsupport 16 of which is braced the foot of whichever is the forward legfor securing the balance. The vertical support leg or support shank 18is on either side thereof provided with lower rearward leg supports 17,under which the foot of whichever is the rearward leg is braced for theduration of a workout and for securing the balance. The gym machine sizecan be for example 80 cm (length)×80 cm (width)×230 cm (height).

As shown in the figure, the gym machine according to a preferredexemplary embodiment of the invention comprises an adjustable chainelement 11, preferably capable of withstanding a weight of at least 300kg. The chain 11 has its height adjusted by securing the openable loopmember 10 to a desired link of the chain 11, whereby the height of thechain 11 is adjustable from top all the way to the handle 12 grabbed bya user's hand. The chain 11 has its lower portion, for example over theextent of about 20-60 cm, surrounded by a rubber compound or the likecovering for preventing the formation of abrasion marks on the armduring a workout. The chain 11 has its top and bottom part provided withan openable snap hook or the like fastener, by means of which the chain11 is attached at the top to the loop 10 and at the bottom to the handle12. The chain 11 has its length variable from 50 cm to 150 cm forexample at the intervals of about 2-3 cm. The chain 11 is inflexible andcapable of withstanding major weights. The exemplified gym machinefurther comprises the handle 12, which is preferably made of steel andpreferably capable of withstanding a weight of more than 300 kg, andwhich has its top portion provided with a metal hole or the like holefeature, by means of which the handle 12 is attachable to the chain 11.The handle 12 enables a one-arm performing technique and jointly withthe handgrip 14 for the non-performing arm a powerful twisting tensionand muscular stimulation during workout.

The illustrated exemplary embodiment further comprises the upper legsupport 13, which is preferably cushioned over its top portion and underwhich is a per se known metal base with holes and a pin, by means ofwhich the leg support 13 can be adjusted in terms of its height. The legsupport 13 has its back portion fitted with a handgrip 14 for thenon-performing arm. The upper leg support 13 functions as a brace forthe user's forward leg, having the thigh placed thereunder for theduration of a workout and, in addition, having the elbow of thenon-performing arm planted on its top surface. This enables the legs andthe balance to be supported during a workout as well as the body twistor so-called sawing movement to be achieved with the handgrip 14, thelower forward leg support 16, and the lower rearward leg support 17. Thehandgrip 14 is intended for steadying the non-performing arm in such away that the fingers take a hold around a post at the end of thehandgrip 14, thus providing an effective workout of the upper body on aone-arm dip stand as well as a powerful twist exercise impact on musclegroups making up the target. Accordingly, the upper leg support 13, thehandgrip 14 for the non-performing arm, the lower forward leg support16, and the lower rearward leg support 17 enable a controlled forwardmovement of the upper body as a twist movement for achieving a so-calledsawing movement. The gym machine features the lower forward leg support16, under which the foot of the forward leg is secured during aperformance, and the lower rearward leg support 17, under which the footof the rearward leg is secured during a performance.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the resistance is adjusted fromthe weight stack 3 as desired. The user sits down on the seat 15 for theduration of a performance, such that the left knee is pushed under theupper leg support 13 and the left foot is pushed crosswise under thelower forward leg support 16. The right foot is pushed back under thelower rearward leg support 17, which is on the opposite side withrespect to the lower forward leg support 16 under which the left foot ispresent. Hence, the feet are in a crosswise position, one under thelower forward leg support 16 and the other under the lower rearward legsupport 17. With the hand of a performing arm (in this case, the rightarm) is taken a hold of the handle 12. The height is adjusted by meansof the metal chain 11 to match the user, such that in a startingposition the handle is level with the user's chest. The non-performingarm (in this case, the left arm) is planted with its forearm on top ofthe upper leg support 13 and the fingers are used to seize the handgrip14. The user leans forward to a starting position. With the hand of aperforming arm in engagement with the handle 12 which is level with thechest, and with the hand of a supporting (non-performing) arm inengagement with the handgrip 14, the handle 12 is pressed downward asfar as it travels and returned slowly up to the starting position. Themovement is performed by stopping at the starting position and bycommencing from a standstill at the starting position. The handle 12 ispushed to level with and beyond the upper leg support 13 with forwardrotation, thus generating a powerful tension in the upper and middlebody. The thigh muscles also become stronger as the thighs are subjectedto a powerful pressure in the performing position. With the left arm asa performing arm, the right knee is pushed under the upper leg support13, the right foot under the lower forward leg support 16, and the leftfoot is pushed back under the lower rearward leg support 17, whereby thefeet are in a crosswise position one after the other; one under thelower forward leg support 16 and the other under the lower rearward legsupport 17.

The invention has been described above with reference to just onepreferred exemplary embodiment thereof. Many modifications andvariations in details and structure are conceivable within the scope ofthe inventive concept.

1. A gym machine for dip exercises in combination with body twist duringa workout, said gym machine comprising frame members (1, 2, 5, 8), aseat (15), a weight stack (3), and means (6) for supporting the weightstack movably on the frame members, and means (9, 10) for moving theweight stack (3) in response to a performance by the user, said gymmachine further comprising a chain element (11) connected to the means(9, 10) for moving the weight stack (3), and a handle element (12)attached to one end of the chain element (11) for a user to perform theexercise movement, characterized in that the gym machine furthercomprises brace elements (13, 14, 16, 17) for steadying the user in aperforming position for dip exercise in combination with body twist forthe duration of performing the workout, said brace elements comprisingan upper leg support (13), lower forward leg supports (16) and lowerrearward leg supports (17), as well as a handgrip (14) for steadying thenon-supporting arm, and that, in the gym machine, the brace elementsmake up a support for the user in a performing position with the hand ofa performing arm in engagement with the handle element (12) of the chainelement (11), with leg crosswise relative to the performing arm, i.e.the forward leg, being secured with its thigh portion against a bottomsurface of the upper leg support (13) and with its foot in the lowerforward leg support (16), with the non-performing arm being supported onthe handgrip (14) by its hand and on a top surface of the upper legsupport (13) by its forearm, with the rearward leg being secured by itsfoot in the lower rearward leg support (17).
 2. A gym machine as setforth in claim 1, characterized in that the frame members (1, 2, 5, 8)consist of a horizontal support leg (1), a vertical support leg (2)connected therewith, a support shank (18), a vertical support framemember (5), and a top support frame member (8).
 3. A gym machine as setforth in claim 1, characterized in that the seat (15) is propped withthe vertical support leg (2) and the support shank (18) on thehorizontal support leg (1).
 4. A gym machine as set forth in claim 1,characterized in that the means (6) for supporting the weight stackmovably on the frame members comprise rails (6), which are adapted tomovably support and stabilize the weight stack (3) on the support framemember (5).
 5. A gym machine as set forth in claim 1, characterized inthat the means (9, 10) for moving the weight stack (3) comprise a cableand pulleys or the like rotating elements disposed in connection withthe top support frame member, as well as a track assembly.
 6. A gymmachine as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the chain element(10) comprises an inflexible metal chain adjustable in terms of itsheight at desired intervals, preferably a metal link chain.
 7. A gymmachine as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the handle (12)is connected to the chain element (10) by means of a snap hook or thelike fastener.
 8. A gym machine as set forth in claim 1, characterizedin that the gym machine is adapted to achieve a so-called sawingmovement performing technique, which consists of a one-arm dip exerciseand body twist during the workout.
 9. A gym machine as set forth inclaim 2, characterized in that the means (6) for supporting the weightstack movably on the frame members comprise rails (6), which are adaptedto movably support and stabilize the weight stack (3) on the supportframe member (5).
 10. A gym machine as set forth in claim 2,characterized in that the means (9, 10) for moving the weight stack (3)comprise a cable and pulleys or the like rotating elements disposed inconnection with the top support frame member, as well as a trackassembly.